I whip up this parmesan crusted chicken when I crave a delicious weeknight dinner. The tender chicken is perfectly wrapped in crispy, flavorful breadcrumbs, creating a delightful mix of savory spices and satisfying crunch. I adore how simple and family friendly this recipe is for our evenings absolutely.

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I’ve been making this parmesan crusted chicken recipe for a while now and I’m so excited to share it with you. This dish features tender chicken breasts coated in a mix made of 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs and a little all-purpose flour.

I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they cook fast and offer great nutritional value. The recipe also calls for 2 beaten eggs along with garlic powder and onion powder to bring extra flavor, while a drizzle of 2 tablespoons olive oil helps crisp up the whole thing perfectly.

I find that this recipe offers a good source of protein along with flavorful seasonings that make it an ideal Health Dinner or Chicken Dinner option for families. Overall its a straightforward, delicious meal thats got a bit of a crunch and a lot of taste.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe for several reasons. First, I love how the chicken comes out tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. The crunch from the Parmesan and Italian seasoned breadcrumbs just makes every bite super satisfying. Second, the flavor mix is really amazing. The garlic powder and onion powder give the chicken a rich taste that makes it way better than just plain fried chicken. Third, it’s so easy to follow. Even though there are a few steps, I appreciate that it doesn’t require any fancy cooking skills. Fourth, the recipe is really versatile. If the chicken breasts are thick, I can finish cooking them in the oven so I know they are safe to eat. For me, it’s a perfect dinner that is family friendly and always gets a thumbs up from everyone.

Ingredients

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Chicken breasts are full of lean protein which helps build muscles.
They are tender and not heavy.
Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor.
Its high calcium gives a little boost too.
Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs bring a crunchy texture and needed carbohydrates, making the dish extra crispy.
Eggs work as a binder, keeping all flavors together while adding extra protein and richness.
Olive oil offers healthy fats that give the chicken a golden crisp finish and a subtle fruity taste.

Ingredient Quantities

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 375°F if you want to finish cooking the chicken in the oven for extra safety.

2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season them lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.

3. Set up three shallow dishes: in the first, add the all-purpose flour; in the second, beat the 2 large eggs thoroughly; and in the third, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and onion powder.

4. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip it in the beaten eggs making sure it’s fully coated.

5. Next, press the chicken into the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it get a good, even coating all over.

6. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until the oil is hot but not smoking.

7. Place the coated chicken breasts in the skillet and fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy.

8. If the chicken breasts are thick, you might need to transfer them to the preheated oven and bake for an extra 10 minutes to ensure they are cooked through.

9. Check that the chicken has reached an internal temp of 165°F to be sure it’s fully done.

10. Let the chicken rest a couple of minutes before serving so that the juices settle, and enjoy your delicious parmesan crusted chicken!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven – used to finish cooking the chicken if it’s too thick
2. Paper towels – to pat the chicken dry
3. Three shallow dishes – one each for the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumb mixture
4. Fork or small whisk – to beat the eggs thoroughly
5. Large skillet – for frying the chicken in olive oil
6. Tongs or spatula – to handle and flip the chicken breasts in the skillet
7. Meat thermometer – to check the chicken reaches 165°F for safe serving
8. Plate or tray – for setting the chicken on while it rests before serving

FAQ

Q: How long should I cook the chicken after breading it?

A: It usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes per side over medium-high heat until the chicken is cooked through and golden. Keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn.

Q: Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of Italian-seasoned ones?

A: Yeah, you can use regular breadcrumbs but you might wanna add some extra Italian herbs and spices to get that flavor vibe.

Q: What’s the best way to get the crust to stick on the chicken?

A: Make sure you dredge the chicken well in the flour, dip it in the beaten eggs, then press into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mix. This layering helps it stick better.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just be careful when cooking, as the crust might need a little extra time to crisp up.

Q: What sides work best with Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

A: It's great with pasta, a fresh salad, or even some steamed veggies. Almost anything that can balance out the rich, crunchy flavor works well.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you can’t find chicken breasts, you might try turkey cutlets; they work just fine and add a different twist
Not a big fan of Parmesan? Pecorino Romano is a great substitute that gives a sharper, saltier kick
For Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs, you can mix plain breadcrumbs with dried oregano, basil, and a touch of thyme
If you don’t have all-purpose flour, almond flour or a gluten free blend works well though the texture might be a bit different
In case you’re avoiding eggs, a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) does the trick

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you pat the chicken dry really well before seasoning it, cause any extra moisture can mess up the crispy crust.
2. Keep an eye on your oil temperature while frying; if its too hot or too cold, the coating might not stick right or could burn.
3. If your chicken breasts are on the thicker side, don’t be afraid to finish them in the oven so they cook through completely.
4. Let the chicken rest a couple minutes after cooking so the juices settle in and it stays nice and moist.